Darn batteries again

RichJohnson · Post by **RichJohnson** » Tue May 03, 2011 9:10 pm

So, amoungst my carb issues, my batteries have died again.
They sat for about month or more of no use, and were cranking fine on sunday. Then yesterday, I went to start up the jeep and test the carb, and it wouldnt crank at all. The batteries just dumped. They read 22v. I jumped it from my cucv and ran it for an hour or so and checked to make sure they were still charging.
Then I tried to start it again. No go. So I put them on charge. Today they still read 22 votls. They are not taking the charge. It sucks, because the 2HNs arent that old either. Less than a couple years.

What is the best model battery to use in an M38a1. Interstate or otherwise. I get a good deal at my napa.

Post by **wesk** » Tue May 03, 2011 11:07 pm

Rich,

That's the reason I don't throw my money at the NOS surplus military batteries. If one must have 2HN's then go to the manufacturer's nearest distributor and buy two brand spanking new ones using an "end use statement" form. Otherwise just buy the nearest civvy battery group that fits the box (22NF).

RichJohnson · Post by **RichJohnson** » Wed May 04, 2011 9:12 am

Yeah Wes. No more 2HNs for me. I did buy these from a battery distributer, direct from East Penn, the manufacturer.
They pretty much suck. I cant get them to recover and charge up.
Thanks for the civvy group. That is what I was after.

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Sat May 14, 2011 11:53 pm

I had a similiar experience with the 2HN's. Waste of money but they did look good!

I found a narrow 12 volt battery at Walmart almost the same as some Interstate batteries I had in another A1 jeep for around $75 each.

jbjeeps · Post by **jbjeeps** » Sun May 15, 2011 8:43 am

x2 on the Walmart batteries. The two in our A1 have been in there for almost 4 years, and even though the regulator isn't working properly (overcharging), the batteries are still good.

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Sun May 15, 2011 9:54 am

x3 on Wallmart, measured the width needed and bought 2 that would fit. No muss no fuss and they work well.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Sun May 15, 2011 5:38 pm

OK guys, whats the part ## on the Wally World batts??

Post by **wesk** » Sun May 15, 2011 8:45 pm

All you need is the battery group number to obtain the correct battery under any name brand or store brand. Just ask for a group 22NF and be sure to ask if they have more then one level/quality to choose from.

AeroE · Post by **AeroE** » Mon May 16, 2011 6:59 am

After reading several threads on the battery issue, I’ve decided to use (2) group 51R Optima yellow tops. They are readily available (2006+ Honda Civic’) and will not leak which is essential for me. Wes, you seem to prefer the 22NF, but these seem to be a deep discharge tpye for wheelchairs and scooters and don’t have regular post terminals. While AGM type, I don’t find CCA ratings, or any starting capability specifications. Is there a reason I’m not seeing that you like 22NF?

As a side note I have 2 boxed dry 2HN’s I bought about 10 years ago. Anyone know what their dry shelf life is?

Post by **wesk** » Mon May 16, 2011 9:36 am

The 22NF is the best fit and the bolt on terminals are very convenient for the cable ends used with the M38 and M38A1. The deep cycle rating is not that important with 24 volt battery pairing. The Powerstride offering has regular top terminals as well. Your 51 series is also close in size and will work as well.

The original 2HN dimensions 10 1/4" L x 5 5/16" W x 9 1/16" H dictate the size battery you need to insure it sits down completely in the battery tray.

22NF 9"(L) X 5.4" (W) X 8.25" (H). The height to the top of the terminal is 9.13”.

51R 9 3/8 (L),5 1/16 (W), 8 13/16 (H)

AeroE · Post by **AeroE** » Mon May 16, 2011 10:46 am

Thanks for the response.

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Mon May 16, 2011 12:48 pm

I got the batteries for my M38 at Wally World, I'm not endorsing the battery or store but it seemed to fit fine in the cowl battery compartment. The engine compartment box is temporarily removed - see pic. Size of battery is about 5.75" wide, 10" long, 7.5" high to top of case.

Balvar24 · Post by **Balvar24** » Mon May 16, 2011 12:55 pm

I found what I needed at TSC.

Post by **wesk** » Mon May 16, 2011 10:20 pm

I may have assumed you guys were aware that the battery group numbers are all about voltage class, shape, size and terminal layout. A group 51 battery can be had in a deep cycle marine application and a standard auto application. The battery grouping system was setup and supported by BCI and this is what they say about their grouping system:

2011 Battery Replacement Data Book
The Battery Replacement Data Book is intended to assist the battery aftermarket in the orderly marketing of batteries, for which there is a substantial demand. Batteries are classified into numbered Group Sizes according to their voltage, maximum overall dimensions, terminal arrangement and special features that affect battery fit.